It seems almost obscene to be talking about myself in light of the ongoing murderous bombing campaign being inflicted on the people of Gaza but just in case anyone was going to go and watch me fight on Saturday night Ive had to pull out of that fight on unequivocal medical advice. I was given the same medical advice last year which I ignored. I cant risk sustaining anymore trauma to the joints and discs in my neck. My neck locked and went into spasm during a very light sparring session on Wednesday night. Having had a (pretty blunt but much needed) talk with my old friend coach John Kavanagh after seeing his physio last night and having talked to other much trusted boxing friends yesterday I have to give up boxing. Not to claim that i had any particular talent for it or boxed at any notable level but i absolutely 100% love boxing. As people often say you dont PLAY boxing - its a fight sport - and I truly love the sport. I will hugely miss sparring with dear friends. Its a funny sport. You and a group of friends meet on an afternoon at a boxing ring and do your best to beat the shit out of each other and make jokes about it afterwards over pints. Ill miss the challenge of fighting an opponent and training hard focussed on that challenge. Ive made some fantastic friends through boxing and as a sport nothing comes close (apart from hurling and honourable mention to my MMA friends in whom i see the same camaraderie and fighting spirit although Ive never tried it). Thanks to those who were helping me prepare for this fight with whom Ive sparred hundreds of rounds over the years Graham Kenny Will Hamill Declan McCabe Dave Peelo Patrick Rattigan James Flynn. And thanks to all the lads and ladies Ive trained with over the years and those who have tried to coach me out of all my bad habits from the days in Paddy Hylands Golden Cobra gym (with Patrick Hyland Jnr Edward Hyland Noel Reid Gavin Kenny Japes Robbie Long Paulie Hyland Alain ORaghailligh and all the other lads) in Jobstown to Igor Khmil and the great club in Smithfield and even back in the UCD days with Niall and Shane and the lads. Ill still keep the annual Palestine Fight Night going but Im hanging up the gloves as they say!! Really going to miss it but as JK said last night quality of life is just too important...and I need my neck!! Thanks to everyone Ive shared a ring with snd trained with. Míle buíochas
Posted on: Fri, 11 Jul 2014 08:51:07 +0000
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